There are over 400 North American species of funnel weaver spiders in the genus Agelenopsis, commonly called grass spiders after their preferred habitat. They spin sheet webs of nonsticky silk with a characteristic funnel extending off to one side. The funnel is where the spider hides while awaiting prey. When something blunders onto the web, the spider quickly attacks and immobilizes the unfortunate creature, then drags it into its silken retreat where it can dine unmolested. These sheet webs are nearly invisible unless covered with dewdrops on a cool morning [1].

Grass spiders are closely related to the so-called Hobo spider (Tegenaria agrestis), found in the Pacific Northwest. The hobo spider has been rapidly expanding its range since its introduction (from Europe) into the Seattle, Washington area in the 1930s and has moved into neighboring states. It has been implicated as a spider of 'medical importance' as several studies indicated the hobo spider bite caused necrotic tissue lesions (helpfully termed 'necrotic arachnidism') either through the actions of hemolytic venom, or the introduction of pathogenic bacteria into the wound.

However, a 2009 study conducted on T. agrestis spiders collected around homes in Spokane, Pullman, Bellevue, and Puyallup Washington revealed no hemolytic aspects of the venom, and no bacteria other than those routinely found in soil, in the air, or even human skin. In addition, the spiders were shown to be incapable of transmitting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) even when exposed to surfaces saturated with the bacillus [2].

Note: the spider pictured is not a funnel-web spider like the one in the video below.

Video featuring the Sydney funnel-web spider. THIS spider is dangerous, but does not live in North America

The misdiagnosis of spider bites is a widespread and common problem. The usual description of a spider bite and its symptoms are almost always based on circumstantial evidence; no spider is captured nor is the bite actually witnessed. There are many medical conditions that are misdiagnosed as spider bites, including bacterial, fungal, and viral infections, vasculitis, dermatological conditions, allergies or drug reactions, chemical burns, reactions to poisonous plants, and not least of all, bites or stings from other arthropods. Professionals working in toxicology and poison control clinics report necrotic arachnidism as overdiagnosed and almost always without corroborating evidence [2].

Evidence from scientific studies that refute the diagnosis of necrotic arachnidism is growing. Researchers have determined that many of the usual suspects including the yellow sac spider, the white-tailed spiders, wolf spiders (Lycosidae), and the hobo spider do not cause the suspected symptoms [2]. Numerous studies have found reported spider bites and resulting necrotic lesions are the result of bacterial infections unrelated to bites or stings.

Furthermore, the hobo spider is not of medical concern in its native Europe [2]. It is only the fearful population of the United States that unjustly demonizes these creatures. ALSO SEE: Bold Jumping Spider